The baby hippo is to be named after the late vet

Minister for Forests, Environment and Environment Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to name the newborn baby hippopotamus housed at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) after late veterinarian Sameeksha Reddy.

Sameeksha, 27, a trainee vet, died after sustaining serious injuries following a hippo attack at the Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari in Shivamogga in April.

Expressing happiness over the birth of a calf to a 17-year-old hippopotamus named Dashya at BBP, Mr. Khandre said the previous calf born to the same animal had died due to infection.

Mr. Khandre, while visiting Sameeksha’s bereaved family to express his condolences, suggested naming the newborn wild animal in her memory.

Published – 28 May 2026 22:28 IST